Grow your skills with this online course that includes field work that can be performed locally.
Product Description
Key features of the program include:
- In-Depth Botanical Training: A primary focus on plant life within wetlands, covering topics such as plant taxonomy, physiology, ecological significance, and the specific adaptations that enable survival in wetland conditions.
- USACOE Regional Supplements Integration: Each module is designed to reflect the USACOE’s regional wetland criteria, providing learners with the knowledge that is applicable and recognized on a national level.
- Interactive Learning Experience: The course offers interactive elements such as virtual field trips, case studies, and hands-on exercises that simulate real-world wetland botany tasks.
- Flexible Online Format: Designed for convenience, the program allows participants to engage with the material at their own pace, accommodating professionals who may have other commitments.
- Certification: Upon completion, graduates receive a certification verifying their specialized training in wetland botany as per USACOE standards, which can be a significant asset for career advancement in environmental science, consulting, and policy-making roles.
This program is ideal for environmental consultants, ecologists, resource managers, and anyone seeking to expand their understanding and capabilities in the niche field of wetland botany. With its rigorous focus on botany within the context of USACOE guidelines, the program stands as a pivotal step for professionals committed to excellence in wetland science and stewardship.
This course is designed to educate the student on all aspects of plant identification, use of field guides and how to use plant identification keys, common and scientific names of plants, plant form and function, habitat requirements, and techniques for winter wetland plant identification
Each module takes about 3-4 hours to complete and students are welcome to compete them at your own pace during the 16-week time frame. In addition to the modules, there is a field work project that needs to be coordinated with the instructor.
The field work consists of collecting plant samples and uploading them to a virtual herbarium. With guidance from the teacher, students will learn tips and tricks for identifying the major diagnostic characteristics and classifying species of select wetland plants common to your region.
Once the species presentations are completed and the herbarium collection is submitted, students take a test to verify their proficiency in wetland plant identification. Upon successful completion of the class and a grade of 80% or higher, you will become a Certified Wetland Botanist.
Your certification will be valid for five years and is eligible for renewal with additional continuing education, and you will also be issued an electronic seal that can be used for reports and proposals.
How the Class Works
10 field work projects
10 data collection exercises
12 online learning modules, including:
- Video presentations
- Handouts
- Class discussion
Assignments - Quizzes
- Final exam
- Instructor-guided virtual field work
Materials Needed
You will need to provide the following items for this class:
- Local botany field guides
- Camera
Prerequisite
Wetland Delineation Training
